Tuesday, 30 July 2013

The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence (Indonesian: Proklamasi Kemerdekaan Indonesia, or simply Proklamasi) was read at 10.00 a.m. on Friday, August 17, 1945. The declaration marked the start of the diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the forces of the Netherlands and pro-Dutch civilians, until the latter officially acknowledged Indonesia's independence in 1949. In 2005, the Netherlands declared that they had decided to accept de facto 17 August 1945 as Indonesia's independence date.

The document was signed by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, who were appointed President and Vice-president respectively the following day.

According to retired Professor Suryadi Samin from Riau Province, Indonesia, the name "Indonesia" itself was coined by James Richardson Logan, a British lawyer based in Penang.

In Penang history, Logan sided with the locals and often assisted them. Once he helped a local win a lawsuit against the East India Company.

A building complex at Beach Street was recently restored and is named Logan Heritage in his honour. Logan Heritage is separated from Standard Chartered building by Union Street. Both open onto Beach Street.

Dr. Sun Yat Sen first arrived in Penang on 19 July 1910. Five days later, on July 24 he wrote to his revolutionary partner Huang Xing mentioning that he will stay in Penang for 3 or more months, and move the Nanyang Tongmenghui Headquarters from Singapore to Penang. As a result of this strategic move, Dr. Sun Yat Sen was able to convene the “Penang Conference” in 1910 and organize the planning of the Canton Uprising and China Revolution.

One hundred years later, our Organizing Committee, chaired by Dr. Yee Thiam Sun (chairman of Min Sin Seah) was able to organize from July 23 to 25 2010, a series of activities at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, such as the Road To Dawn Charity Premier, Malaysia Cultural & Tourism Promotion, The “Penang Conference” 100 Years Historical Gallery as well as a Cultural Excursion around Taipei. With this, we have kicked off Sun Yat Sen’s “Penang Conference” Centennial Celebration in Taipei. [3]